Signs of a Possible COVID-19 Resurgence... Jeonnam Province Enters Emergency Response Mode

More Than Double the Cases Nationwide in Five Weeks
Jeonnam Province Establishes Dedicated COVID-19 Response Teams
Emergency Distribution of Quarantine Supplies and Expanded Medical Monitoring
Urges Strict Adherence to Basic Guidelines and Prompt Testing if Symptoms Occur

Five Key Prevention Rules for Respiratory Infectious Diseases Poster. Provided by Jeonnam Province

As concerns about a potential nationwide resurgence of COVID-19 continue to be raised by health authorities and medical institutions, Jeonnam Province is entering an emergency response mode. The province is focusing on establishing systems to prevent and contain the spread of infectious diseases, such as setting up dedicated COVID-19 response teams, while also accelerating the procurement of quarantine-related supplies such as masks and pharmaceuticals.

According to data analyzed by Jeonnam Province on August 17, the recent five-week sample surveillance (hospitalized patients) for COVID-19 shows that the number of weekly cases in the Jeonnam region remains stable, averaging between 0 and 3 cases per week.

Specifically, based on nine sample sites in Jeonnam, there were 2 cases in week 27, 2 cases in week 28, 1 case in week 29, 1 case in week 30, and 3 cases in week 31.

However, the situation is different on a national scale (221 sample sites). Starting with 101 cases in week 27, the numbers increased to 103 in week 28, 123 in week 29, 139 in week 30, and 220 in week 31, resulting in more than a twofold increase in COVID-19 cases nationwide within just five weeks.

In preparation for the potential spread of COVID-19 during the summer, Jeonnam Province has been operating 59 dedicated response teams with a total of 215 personnel since June, strengthening ongoing monitoring. Additionally, three advisory meetings have been held with experts from vulnerable facilities, the medical community, and public health centers to gather field opinions and improve quarantine measures.

The province has also stockpiled 200,000 masks and 20,000 diagnostic kits as emergency quarantine supplies, and secured enough COVID-19 vaccines for 261,000 people for the 2025-2026 season.

Currently, Jeonnam Province has secured a total of 1,538 courses of COVID-19 treatments, including 1,412 courses of oral medication and 126 courses of injectable medication. Given that the recent daily average usage is 6.5 courses, the supply is considered stable.

An organic cooperation system has also been established with local medical institutions and the pharmacists’ association.

Going forward, Jeonnam Province plans to urgently allocate a total of 70,000 quarantine supplies-including 50,000 masks, 10,000 diagnostic kits, and 10,000 disinfectants-to 733 infection-vulnerable facilities through city and county public health centers.

The number of medical institutions under monitoring will be significantly expanded from 45 to 112, and from October, the province will officially begin COVID-19 vaccinations for the 2025-2026 season.

Jung Kwangsun, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, stated, "Since there is a possibility of a COVID-19 resurgence, we ask all residents to strictly follow basic quarantine guidelines such as wearing masks, washing hands, and practicing proper cough etiquette." He added, "High-risk groups, in particular, should make sure to get vaccinated, and if symptoms develop, promptly undergo diagnostic testing to help prevent community spread."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.